Brain Food - 5 Foods that Nourish the Noggin
Tuesday, August 26th, 2008 Subscribe To Our Feed
Eating the right type of food can be a wonder drug of sorts from reducing our risk for disease, improving our complexion, easing the aging effects on our eyes and helping to maintain our brain. While no single meal can make you more intelligent, experts say that some foods and vitamins can help maintain the gray matter you already have by staving off neurodegenerative diseases that attack the brain, like Alzheimer’s.
According to the latest research, following are 5 foods that nourish the noggin:
- Docosahexaenoic acid (DHA). DHA is a fatty acid derived from certain fish and can also be found in flaxseed and eggs. It is believed to reduce the risk of heart disease and neurodegenerative diseases.
- Beta glucan. Beta glucan may reduce the risk of developing tumors and Alzheimer’s. It is found in natural fibers and yeast extracts.
- Folic acid. About 10 years ago, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration approved of enriched grains and pasta products to be fortified with folic acid to reduce the risk of brain or spine birth defects known as neural tube defects. Folic acid can be found in lentils, asparagus and spinach. It is also thought to help fight cardiovascular disease and Alzheimer’s.
- Green tea. Studies suggest that drinking green tea in higher doses reduces brain inflammation and progressive neurodegenerative disorders.
- Pomegranate juice. Properties found in pomegranate could fight one of the leading causes of Alzheimer’s, as well as lessen aggression.
According to the American Society for Nutrition, the single worst thing you can do to your brain is to consume distilled spirits. Alcohol is a neurotoxin which means it pickles the brain. Distilled spirits such as vodka and rum affect carbohydrates which your brain needs to thrive and they slow down metabolism. Drinks also drain the body of vitamin B and affect liver function.
Hilary Basile is a writer for MyGuidesUSA.com. At http://www.myguidesusa.com you will find valuable tips and resources for handling life’s major events. Whether you’re planning a wedding, buying your first home, anxiously awaiting the birth of a child, contending with a divorce, searching for a new job, or planning for your retirement, you’ll find answers to your questions at http://www.MyGuidesUSA.com
Find tips and resources on nutrition, children’s nutrition, diets and weight loss, weight management and more at http://dietandnutrition.myguidesusa.com/
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Hilary_Basile
http://EzineArticles.com/?Brain-Food—5-Foods-that-Nourish-the-Noggin&id=983003
Technorati Tags: alzheimers, beta glucan, brain, DHA, folic acid, food, foods, green tea, noggin, pomegranate
Related Tags: No Tags
Possible Related Posts
